Originally slated as a single map, Nihilore
has literally been in the works for over
2 years. It's basically a bunch of ideas
(scraps is the word chosen by the author)
that were placed together. In comparison
to other [Kona] maps, Nihilore does fall
short of glory but what it lacks is quickly
made up with originality.
In most [Kona] maps you are engaged in
battle with tons of baddies coming at you
from every direction. Here most of the battles
happen in a linear fashion with only a few
exceptions. Most of the Quake minions are
Grunts and Enforcers with a few Scragg and
Rottweilers thrown in to the mix. To those
of you that think this sounds like a boring
and mundane fight, not to fret. There are
modified Grunts that shoot nails, grenades,
and rockets at you and some modified Enforcers
that fire in a wider spread than usual.
To make things worse, the modified characters
have better aim and fire quicker. Luckily,
the Grunts that shoot rockets have had their
damage turned down some so not to kill you
to quickly.
You will be able to notice these modified
characters because they each have some fantastic
new skins that look like they could have
come straight from the game. These are without
a doubt some of the best new skins seen
for Quake.
Architecture is very similiar to [Kona]'s
other works with the jagged angles and bi-level
areas. Only the beginning of the first map
is untrue to this with simple hallway leads
to corridor play. Of course, the author
has stated that this part of the level was
thrown in at the last minute. The map flows
quickly with minions around every corner.
Ammunition come in plenty so you can choose
from stealth attack to room rushing. Every
weapon makes an appearance if you can find
the secret. Health can tend to be a sparse
so if you rush, watch it. The texture work
is very well done with a nice brick/metal
combination and help create some nice atmosphere.
These maps really look nice if you use one
of the user made engine mods that enables
fog. BTW, these screenshots were taken using
Telejano Quake engine.
The climax of the map is by far the ending
where you will find yourself in a large
open area surrounded by buildings. Minions
will already be present but as you kill
them off more and more will begin to spawn
in. Eventually you will find yourself surrounded
by Quake baddies and you will be engaged
in a deathmatch style fight for your life.
A fantastic ending with gameplay that I
would love to see repeated.
Although it does not have the standard
[Kona] feel to it (its winnable in one attempt)
it does provide enough interesting new tricks.
With modified Grunts and Enforcers, stable
architecture, great atmosphere, and a nice
original design, Nihilore is a must download.
Rating: 8.15 |